Dravid stars in Indian resilience
Indian number 3 Rahul Dravid again shone for India in the home sides fight for survival against Australia in Kolkata today. An unbeaten 58 from Dravid and starts from middle order batsman Tendulkar (26), Ganugly (25) and V.V.S Laxman (22*) showed that there was fight from the home side on a degrading wicket helping neither the batsman or the bowlers.
Glenn McGrath again proved he was one of the best bowlers in world cricket as he continued on from his first wicket haul of 6/83, claiming the vital wickets of Tendulkar, caught by Martyn for 26 and Ganguly, caught behind by Gilchrist for 25. The NSW quick finished the middle session of play with figures of 3/69 from 19 overs.
Dravid and Laxman again proved their ability to bat together, putting on an unbeaten 52 run partnership to build the home sides total to 4/184 when the bails were drawn at tea on day 4.
The key to the match appears to be Dravid, the traditionally rock solid right hander. His 58 not out from 133 balls showed the resistance and fight that has long been needed in the Indian order. Dravid appeared to be coming out of his shell and beginning to play a more attacking form of cricket with only a number of overs left to play in the middle session, clubbing Glenn McGrath for 12 runs in the second over before the tea break. However Indian fans will be holding their breath that Dravid can maintain his composure to guide his team to a stronger position.
Below - Scorecards at tea - Day 4
- Indian scorecard - Rahul Dravid and V.V.S Laxman showing promise
- Australian scorecard - Glenn McGrath bowling with great skill and Shane Warne toiling hard
- Rahul Dravid celebrates reaching 50, the first 50 of the match for India